Nurses in Texas: how do the NCLEX and the state nursing license fit together?

In the US, each state issues its own nursing license. In Texas, the license comes from the Texas Board of Nursing [1]. The NCLEX is the national licensing exam for nurses, and it is run by NCSBN [2]. Passing the NCLEX is one step toward a Texas license. The license itself comes from the board, not from NCSBN [1].

The usual order looks like this: 1. Apply for a license with the Texas Board of Nursing [1]. 2. Wait for the board to approve you to take the exam [1]. 3. Register for the NCLEX and schedule your test [2]. 4. Take and pass the NCLEX [2]. 5. The board then issues your Texas license [1].

Each state board sets its own rules, so Texas steps may not match another state's. Read the Texas Board of Nursing site for its current requirements, forms and costs before you start [1]. Use the NCSBN site for exam details, how registration works and what to expect on test day [2]. If something is unclear, contact the board directly. It has the final word on your Texas license [1].

Sources [1] Texas Board of Nursing: https://www.bon.texas.gov/ [2] NCSBN, which runs the NCLEX exam: https://www.ncsbn.org/